The Super Falcons will look to send an even stronger warning to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations rivals when they face Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses for the second time in four days at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo on Monday.
After edging Friday’s fiercely contested first encounter 2-1, Nigeria’s coaching crew has made it clear that today’s return fixture is about much more than another victory.
It is about perfecting combinations, testing tactical options, evaluating players and ensuring the reigning African champions are fully prepared to defend their continental crown in Morocco next month.
Head coach Justine Madugu has already warned that the Super Falcons intend to be “more intentional” in attack when they meet the Senegalese side again.
The encounter represents Nigeria’s final major examination before the start of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Falcons will be chasing a record-extending 11th continental title.
Oshoala and Payne Mark Returns with Goals
Friday’s first meeting produced an encouraging performance from the African champions.
The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute after Nigeria won a penalty kick. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala stepped forward confidently to convert and hand the Falcons the lead.
The goal is Oshoala’s first appearance for Nigeria since the WAFCON 2024 final and is also important to the team as another major tournament approaches.
Nigeria continued to dominate possession and create opportunities.
Their superiority was rewarded again eleven minutes later when Toni Payne capped a well-worked attacking move to double the advantage before halftime.
Like Oshoala, Payne was also making her return to the national team setup after missing recent international fixtures.
The Falcons appeared comfortable throughout much of the contest before Senegal found a late response in the 86th minute to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.
Nigeria, however, managed the closing stages effectively to secure a 2-1 victory.
Winning Is Not the Main Objective – Madugu
Following the victory, Madugu insists results are secondary to the broader objective of preparing a squad capable of handling the demands of WAFCON.
Speaking after Friday’s win, the Super Falcons boss stated that his technical crew is focused on evaluating personnel and tactical flexibility.
“For us, it’s not just about winning, it’s not just about winning.”
“Like I said, we are analysing the performance of the players and looking at what we hope to do if we get into the competition.”
“Those options that we want to possibly try in the competition are the things that we are really more concerned about.”
While downplaying the importance of the result itself, Madugu admitted victories still play a crucial role in building confidence.
“Well, like I said, winning is important because it boosts the confidence of the players.”
“It also boosts the morale of the team generally.”
“For them, for us, it is not important. And just like they have seen us, we have also watched them.”
Madugu also hinted that several fresh faces could feature prominently in Monday’s encounter.
“So, when you go back and do your own analysis and come up with another team that will play, we are trying as much as possible to say that most of the players that I have played in terms of playing time.”
“And then we also see what they can do.”
“It’s not about playing 90 minutes.”
“Sometimes you don’t need to play 90 minutes to be able to convince us that, yes, you have something to offer.”
“So, we will try as much as possible to also give others a chance.”
“So that we can see what they too can do based on the options that they are working on.”
“And then see how it goes from there.”
A Rivalry Renewed After Nearly a Decade
While Friday’s fixture represented the first friendly meeting between both nations, Nigeria and Senegal have crossed paths before in WAFCON qualification.
Back in 2016, the Super Falcons eliminated the Lionesses 3-1 on aggregate during qualification for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The first leg ended 1-1 before Nigeria secured a convincing 2-0 victory in the return fixture.
Monday’s encounter therefore offers Senegal an opportunity to test themselves once more against Africa’s most successful women’s football nation.
Super Falcons Camp Blends Experience with Youth
Madugu heads into today’s clash with a squad that combines established stars and exciting emerging talents.
Although experienced midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was ruled out of both friendlies, Israel-based midfielder Josephine Matthias was drafted into the squad as replacement.
23 Super Falcons Squad for Senegal Friendlies
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England),
Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England),
Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders:
Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy),
Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England),
Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel),
Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey),
Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel),
Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens),
Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)
Midfielders:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France),
Josephine Matthias (Bnot Netanya, Israel),
Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada),
Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England),
Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France),
Kafayat Shittu (Giressunsanayispor, Turkey)
Forwards:
Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia),
Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA),
Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England),
Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia),
Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China),
Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy),
Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus)
Morocco Awaits as World Cup Stakes Rise
The stakes for both teams extend far beyond today’s friendly.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi.
Senegal will compete in Group A with hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
The tournament runs from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco and carries additional significance as the qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The top four teams will secure automatic qualification, while the fifth-placed side will enter an intercontinental playoff for another chance to reach the global showpiece.
Friday’s victory offered plenty of positives, but Madugu and his coaching staff know tougher challenges await in Morocco.
The first battle belonged to Nigeria.
The second chapter will be written today in Ikenne-Remo.
